NHK has learned that three British men suspected of robbing a jewelry store in Tokyo have been detained in Britain. A court in the country is holding a hearing to decide whether to extradite them to Japan.

They allegedly forced their way into the store in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward in November 2015. They are accused of seriously injuring a security guard and stealing jewelry.

The Japanese Imperial Family has long had close relations with the British Royal Family.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito has engaged in exchanges with the Royal Family since 1953, when he attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth on behalf of Emperor Showa.